From "engines" Episode #1328
The
Western saddle was a direct adaptation of the old
medieval war saddle. With its high cantle and its
pommel, it gave a working rider a very sure seat
upon a horse.

cantle
n.
5ME cantel, a corner, rim, piece < OFr < ML cantellus, dim. of LL cantus: see CANT26 the upward-curving rear part of a saddle

pommel
n.
5ME pomel < OFr dim. of pome, apple: see POME6
1 the knob on the end of the hilt of some swords and daggers
2 the rounded, upward-projecting front part of a saddle
vt.
3meled or 3melled, 3mel[ing or 3mel[ling PUMMEL